About Tai Chi

Text Box: To many people Tai Chi is a gentle slow moving, relaxing form of exercise that looks like Kung Fu in slow motion. They may also have heard that it is good for health and stress reduction. Others may be aware of how it can improve your balance and stability. A few people know that it is a highly effective form of internal martial art.

All of the above are true.

Most people practice Tai Chi for the health and relaxation benefits that can be gained from practicing a series of slow moving exercises known as the form.

Practicing Tai Chi improves the posture and exercises the cardiovascular system. By holding the spine in correct alignment and turning the waist the parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated resulting in a decrease of the heart rate and dilation of the blood vessels. This helps to improve circulation. It also helps with strengthening the deep stabilizing muscles therefore reducing back pain.

Mentally Tai Chi helps to relax the mind, whilst increasing mental alertness. Self confidence tends to increase as the student progresses.

Those who wish to learn Tai Chi as a martial art should first become proficient in the form. All of the postures that one learns in the form have a martial application. By practicing push hands exercises students can learn how to sense the direction of an attack and deflect the incoming energy and counter attack. It takes a great deal of practice, dedication and training to achieve a high level of skill.

As well as the “empty hand” form there are a number of weapon based forms. These include the Dao (Broadsword), Jian (Straight sword), Fan and staff to name but a few.

The wednesday evening class members have the chance to learn the Hong Quan Tai Chi Fan Form”.